United Way Of West Alabama Names Josh Hayes 2025 Campaign Chair

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) on Tuesday announced that Tuscaloosa attorney Josh Hayes will serve as its 2025 campaign chair.

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UWWA says the Boaz native has spent his career championing causes that protect and strengthen Alabama families, working to combat the opioid crisis and fighting against human trafficking.

“West Alabama is a wonderful place to call home. This community shaped me into who I am, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back,” Hayes said. “United Way of West Alabama does critical work in lifting up our most vulnerable neighbors. I’m honored to lead this campaign and help ensure that our community continues to thrive.”

Hayes has also been a longtime supporter of philanthropic efforts, fundraising or serving on the boards of local organizations, including the Good Samaritan Clinic, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, and The University of Alabama’s Blackburn Institute.

Hayes was also honored as a West Alabama Young Leader of the Year in 2020 for his contributions to the region by donating his time to pro bono legal clinics through the Alabama State Bar.

He is a member of the State Bar’s Board of Bar Commissioners and was also named a fellow by the Alabama Law Foundation — an honor limited to no more than 1% of Alabama State Bar members.

UWWA says its 2025 campaign will focus on engaging local businesses, individual donors and community partners to address key needs across education, health, financial stability, and disaster recovery.

“We are thrilled to have Josh Hayes at the helm of our 2025 campaign,” UWWA President & CEO Jackie Wuska said. “His passion for justice, philanthropy, and service to West Alabama makes him an outstanding leader for this effort. With his guidance, we know we can make an even greater impact on the lives of those who need it most.”

Here's a look at the United Way of West Alabama's 2025 Board of Directors

• Phyllis Belcher, Greene County IDA
• Susan Bell, University of Alabama
• Karen Burklew, Alabama Power Company
• Johanna Cole, Community Volunteer
• David Coleman, Hunt Refining Company
• Deidra K. Diaz, University of Alabama
• Erwin Dudley, Sr., Alabama Basketball
• John England, Jr., Community Involvement
• Willie Forte, Tuscaloosa Housing Authority
• Kelli Gant, Warrior Met Coal Mining, LLC
• Shawn Gilliam, Mercedes Benz U. S. International
• Brian Groeschell, SmartBank
• Chris Gunter, Buffalo Rock
• Josh Hayes, Prince Glover Hayes
• Alison Hewson, Hewson Family Foundation, Inc.
• Briana Houston, DCH Health System (Young Leaders Society President)
• Brock Jones, Thornhill Capital Management (Board Chair)
• Katrina Keefer, DCH Health System
• Stephanie Kemmer, Bibb County Probate Judge
• Jonathan Koh, Shelton State Community College
• Barbara Kucharski, Community Involvement
• Elizabeth McGiffert, Community Involvement
• Etienne Ludwig, Michelin – BFGoodrich
• James Mowery, Publix Super Markets
• Yolanda Page, Stillman College
• Brian Phillippi, Nucor Steel
• Pam Pruitt, Community Involvement (ReUnited Chair)
• Sandra Hall Ray, Community Involvement
• Misty Renfroe, Pickens County DHR
• Justice Smyth, IV, Tuscaloosa County EDA
• Harrison Taylor, Community Involvement
• Chad Tindol, University of Alabama
• Elizabeth Winter, Regions Bank

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